Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils Rs 50,000 Crore Plan to Revitalize India’s Inland Waterways at IWDC Meeting

GUWAHATI: On January 10, 2025, during the second Inland Waterways Development Council meeting, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a Rs 50,000 crore plan to develop inland waterways in India. The grande plan would see waterways infrastructure development in the country over the next five years.

One of the important elements of the plan is the Riverine Community Development Scheme, targeting development in communities along the national waterways. It will facilitate trade and tourism, skill development, and the preservation of traditional riverine knowledge. The introduction of the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) will also regulate the movement of vessels on waterways.

In addition, the government introduced the Jalvahak scheme to encourage long-haul cargo transport on prominent routes like NW 1 (Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra), and NW 16 (Barak). Over 1,000 green vessels are to be introduced, contributing to the government's green shipping goals. In order to assist regional businesses and generate jobs, Sonowal particularly highlighted the expansion of shipbuilding and repair facilities.

Over 1000 crores is expected to be allocated for infrastructure development in Assam along with the establishment of a Regional Center of Excellence in Dibrugarh. New jetties will also be developed along with ship repair facilities in Goa and Uttar Pradesh. Other aspects of the plan include developing green shipping, for which more than 23 thousand crores is allocated. It would also promote regional connectivity, facilitating trade to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and among other neighboring countries.

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